Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Andrew J. Meyers
Department: County Attorney
Information
Requested Action
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MOTION TO ENACT Ordinance, the title of which is as follows:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA, PERTAINING TO THE BROWARD COUNTY RACIAL EQUITY TASK FORCE; AMENDING SECTION 1-118 OF THE BROWARD COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES ("CODE"); AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, INCLUSION IN THE CODE, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
(Sponsored by the Board of County Commissioners)
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Why Action is Necessary
The proposed Ordinance was prepared by the Office of the County Attorney in light of recent changes in state law.
What Action Accomplishes
Permits the Board to consider enacting the proposed Ordinance.
Is this Action Goal Related
No
Previous Action Taken
Summary Explanation/Background
On July 1, 2022, House Bill 7, which proponents have called the "Stop W.O.K.E. Act," goes into effect. House Bill 7 prohibits employers from teaching certain concepts related to race, sex, or national origin as a condition of employment or "membership."
The proposed amendment would require the Racial Equity Task Force's onboarding process for new members to be consistent with state law. The proposed amendment further eliminates the requirement that members "shall consist of representatives of communities that have been negatively impacted by systemic and institutional racial inequities, and organizations and institutions that have a role to play in eliminating such racial inequities, as well as individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to eliminating systemic racism and creating greater racial equity," and instead provides that the Racial Equity Task Force may consist of such members. Finally, the proposed amendment updates the names of several organizations that nominate individuals for appointment by the Board to the Racial Equity Task Force.
This item was prepared at the initiative of the Office of the County Attorney in light of the July 1, 2022, effective date of House Bill 7. The public hearing was advertised in accordance with applicable law.
Source of Additional Information
Annika E. Ashton, Deputy County Attorney, 954-357-7600
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
Per the Office of Management and Budget, the estimated impact on the budget does not exceed the threshold required for a Fiscal Impact Statement.